Description
Delightful dump-and-bake chicken tzatziki with rice brings Mediterranean flavors to weeknight dinners. Greek-inspired ingredients blend effortlessly, offering you a simple yet elegant meal with minimal kitchen effort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice (or basmati)
- 3 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ small cucumber, diced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsps fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Combine uncooked rice, chicken broth, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a 9×13-inch baking dish, mixing thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Chicken Placement: Arrange chicken breasts directly onto the seasoned rice mixture, ensuring they are partially submerged in the liquid base for optimal moisture retention.
- Tzatziki Application: Lavishly spread tzatziki sauce over the chicken breasts, creating a protective and flavorful coating that will infuse moisture and Mediterranean essence during baking.
- Initial Baking: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and roast in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, allowing rice to absorb liquid and chicken to cook gently.
- Final Baking and Browning: Remove foil and return dish to oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, enabling chicken to achieve a golden surface and reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Resting and Garnishing: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven. Top with cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh dill or parsley.
- Serving: Plate the chicken and rice, accompanying with fresh lemon wedges to add a bright, citrusy note that complements the rich tzatziki and tender chicken.
Notes
- Optimize Rice Moisture: Use precise liquid-to-rice ratio to prevent dry or soggy rice, ensuring each grain absorbs broth perfectly without becoming mushy.
- Control Chicken Tenderness: Cover tightly with foil during initial baking to lock in steam, guaranteeing juicy chicken breasts that remain succulent and never dry.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute regular rice with cauliflower rice for low-carb version or use gluten-free broth to accommodate specific dietary restrictions without compromising flavor.
- Enhance Flavor Depth: Select high-quality, full-fat tzatziki with fresh herbs for maximum taste complexity and authentic Mediterranean culinary experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 57 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg